Aspiring country singer Kree Harrison performed the Rascal Flatts song ‘Here Comes Goodbye’ on ‘American Idol‘ on Wednesday night (May 8), earning effusive praise from the judges after turning in an emotional performance.

Harrison was fresh from a triumphant hometown visit as one of the final three contestants this season, which she called “draining and rejuvenating.” The visit included a parade, a hometown concert and an emotional visit to the house she grew up in, which was the last place her family was together before she lost both of her parents.

She seemed to channel all of that emotion into her performance, breaking out of a run of not-as-strong-as-usual performances in recent weeks with one of her standout songs of the season.

Nicki Minaj praised her for the power of a true, genuine emotional connection. “I am so super proud of you,” she told Harrison, saying she felt every word.

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